Solution Architect - Infrastructure & Cloud (Hybrid/Azure)

Location: Manchester Permanent Salary: up to c. 75K dependant on experience

Are you an experienced Solution Architect with a passion for delivering innovative, secure, and scalable infrastructure solutions? We're looking for a strategic thinker and technical expert to lead the design and delivery of modern cloud and hybrid infrastructure, helping shape the future of technology within a highly impactful organisation.

About the Role

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking architecture team where you will:

• Lead the design of end-to-end infrastructure solutions for enterprise-scale projects across cloud-first and hybrid environments.
• Play a key role in shaping IT strategy and defining architectural roadmaps aligned with business and technical goals.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across IT and the wider organisation to deliver high-quality, secure, and cost-effective solutions.
• Act as the subject matter expert in areas such as Azure, on-prem infrastructure, networking, compute, and storage.
• Support delivery through high-level and low-level architectural designs, risk assessments, and project handover documentation.
• Guide infrastructure automation using tools like PowerShell, BICEP, GitHub, and Octopus Deploy.
• Lead and inspire a diverse technical team, supporting their development in an inclusive and empowering environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement infrastructure strategies based on emerging technologies.
• Present solution designs to technical governance bodies and lead implementation alongside cross-functional teams.
• Produce technical artefacts including high/low-level designs, risk documentation, and options papers.
• Champion best practices in cloud security, performance optimisation, and resilience.
• Contribute to automation, infrastructure as code, and continuous delivery pipelines.
• Create an environment that supports innovation, autonomy, and personal development across the team.
• Promote equality, diversity, and sustainability throughout your work and leadership approach.

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience & Skills:

• Strong background as a Solution Architect with a focus on infrastructure and cloud technologies.
• Proven experience delivering large-scale infrastructure projects within hybrid cloud environments (especially Azure).
• Hands-on expertise with Azure services, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), and BICEP templates.
• Deep knowledge of on-premise technologies including VMware, Exchange, SAN, networking, and security.
• Proficiency in PowerShell, BICEP, and CI/CD tools such as GitHub and Octopus Deploy.
• Excellent communication skills - able to simplify and present complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated leadership ability and experience managing a high-performing technical team.
• A proactive, customer-focused mindset with strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience:

• Microsoft 365 implementation and administration experience.
• Microsoft certifications (e.g. Azure Solution Architect, M365 Certified Administrator, DevOps Engineer).
• Industry-recognised architecture frameworks (e.g. TOGAF, BCS).

Why Apply?

This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of infrastructure and cloud strategy in an organisation committed to innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. You'll be part of a collaborative and empowered team where your voice matters, and your expertise drives real impact.

Ready to Apply? If you're a solution-driven architect with the technical acumen and leadership skills to drive modern infrastructure delivery, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply directly online with your CV and cover letter. And if your application is successful, one of the team will be in touch.